EXCUSED ABSENCES

The following are legal, excused absences as approved by the Hancock County Board of Education:

a. Personal illness (Verified by parents/guardians) When personal illness exceeds 10 days a SAT will convene if necessary. Parents will be notified of a pending SAT. (In the case of extenuating circumstances, the principal/designee may waive this guideline.)

b. Death in the family (As defined by State Attendance Code Interpretations.)

c. Religious holidays with verification

d. Legal obligation with verification.

e. Parent Request (Limited to five days for the school year and prior approval required)

Participation in school sponsored/approved Curricular or Extra Curricular activities, board-sanctioned activities or attendance at a state tournament in which the school is participating are recorded with an X1 code. The absence is not included in the calculation of attendance rate.

Absences for all other reasons not stipulated in board policy will be considered unexcused.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Procedures for 3 to 5 Unexcused Absences

• Report generated by Attendance Director will be sent to each building Principal for review.

• Upon recommendation of building Principal a letter will be sent concerning the unexcused absences.

• Parent may contact school or attendance office for any appeal or clarifications of attendance history.

Procedures for Continued UA

• Referral will be made to one or more of the following*:

• Attendance Director Conference (CA-2 Notice of Unexcused Absences)
• Juvenile Mediation
• Pre-Petition to DHHR
• Magistrate Court (Parents)

*Level of intervention will be determined by past history of attendance.